Illegal alien charged in deadly Troy hit-and-run that killed Annie Laura Cooper
TROY, AL — A hit-and-run tragedy has rocked my small hometown, the city of Troy, leaving a woman everybody knew gone far too soon — and this one hits especially close to home.
An illegal alien from Mississippi, is now behind bars after Troy Police say he struck and killed 59-year-old Annie Laura Cooper, then fled the scene, leaving her in the roadway.
Police were called to the 100 block of U.S. 231 South on Sunday, December 21, after reports of a woman being hit by a vehicle. When officers arrived, they found Cooper lying in the road with injuries consistent with a vehicle impact. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The case was immediately turned over to the Troy Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit, launching an investigation that would stretch across state lines.
“Everybody Knew Ms. Annie”
For me, this story brings me to tears.
I personally knew Ms. Annie Laura Cooper. Growing up in Troy, I’d see her all the time — always walking, always moving, always full of life. She used to come to my mom parties when we lived in Trojan Way and have a good time, with a spirit you couldn’t ignore. When I say everybody knew her, I mean everybody knew her. She was a familiar face, and will be greatly missed.
Her death has left a hole in Troy that can’t be filled.
Suspect Tracked to Mississippi
According to police, their investigation led them to Lucedale, Mississippi, where officers executed a search warrant at a home and located the vehicle believed to be involved in the deadly crash. Authorities also identified the suspected driver.
An arrest warrant was issued for Malvin Geovany Villalbos-Bonilla, 45, of Lucedale. He is charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
Villalbos-Bonilla was taken back to Troy, booked into the Troy City Jail, and later transferred to the Pike County Jail, where he remains held on a $250,000 bond.
Immigration Status Raises Questions
In a press release, Troy Police revealed that during the investigation it was determined Villalbos-Bonilla is from Honduras and is believed to be in the United States illegally, noting he has been previously deported. Authorities confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been notified.
“During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Villalbos-Bonilla is from Honduras and is believed to be in the country illegally, for which he has been deported previously,” Troy Police Chief Danny Barron said. “The Troy Police Department notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to make them aware of the charge filed against Villalbos-Bonilla and allow them to place a detainer on him.”
Troy Police thanked the Lucedale Police Department and the Pike County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. The investigation remains ongoing as the community continues to grieve.
One thing is clear — Ms. Annie was loved, and Troy will not forget her.
Rest easy, Ms. Annie. 🕊️
